Who we are
The TAFE Community Alliance is an advocacy and strategy group established in 2013. It recognises the central role of the public VET provider in the building of social, cultural and economic capacity of communities across NSW. The group of former TAFE educators and community development leaders advocate for the TAFE system as an integral part of the VET system in Australia.
Party responses to this inquiry for NSW election 2023.
One of the important issues facing a new or re-elected state government will be to rebuild TAFE NSW. At a time of critical skills shortages, NSW needs a strong and vibrant TAFE system meeting the vocational and adult education needs of all citizens in NSW. See the briefing paper from the TAFE Community Alliance.
Alex Greenwich MP - full response
The Greens Party - full response
The Labor Party - full response
No matter who you are TAFE is open to everyone.
TAFE gives everyone a second chance, the opportunity to learn skills for employment and an opportunity to contribute to the community. If you are uncertain about your career or need more education and training; TAFE has always been there - affordable, accessible - providing great quality education and professional specialist student support. There is a TAFE College in every community across NSW.
The Alliance has been critical of government policies and funding. It has been particularly critical of the so-called competitive industry-led training market. It has asserted that competition between training organisations has not resulted in improved choice and quality of training for students or a more responsive system to the skills needs of the nation. It has resulted, on the contrary, in higher fees, rorts by private providers, fewer courses in fewer locations and a marked reduction in the quality of teaching and learning among many other problems and issues highlighted in government and statutory agency inquiries over the last two decades. The industry-led system continues to be criticized by industry!
TCA Spokespersons
Linda Simon: Full profile
Extract: "Linda has been a school teacher, TAFE teacher and now teaches at Charles Sturt University in adult education.
For most of her working life she has been an active union member holding positions such as Secretary of the TAFE Teachers Association for over 15 years, and Federal TAFE President with the Australian Education Union for six years."
Jozefa Sobski AM: Full profile
Extract: "Jozefa Sobski AM has been active women's, feminist and community organisations for many years. She is currently:
- the Chair of the Board of Jessie Street National Women’s Library.
- member of the Executive of Women’s Electoral Lobby, NSW and
- Convenor of WEL Australia.
- She was a foundation member of the NSW Women in Education group founded in 1973 and the and the Australian Women's Education Coalition'